According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, blemishes, or acne, is caused when hair follicles overproduce an oil called sebum, which then gets combined with dead skin cells. The follicle then becomes plugged up and a whitehead, blackhead or other inflamed lesion on the skin then forms. No one knows what causes the overproduction of sebum, although heredity or hormonal factors may play a part. It is important to check with your health care provider or dermatologist if you are concerned about acne.
Step 1
Wash your face with a mild cleanser daily and be careful not to touch blemishes. Do not scrub your face or wash excessively, as this may aggravate any existing skin blemishes.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter acne spot lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide onto each acne spot or blemish.
Step 3
Apply tea tree oil as a natural alternative treatment for blemish spots. Experiment to see whether tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide is more effective.
Step 4
Moisturize your skin with a lotion that is water-based, or non-comedogenic.
Step 5
Take a zinc supplement, 30 mg two times per day for a month, then 30 mg per day. According to UMMC, zinc may reduce the effects of acne.
Step 6
Consume the RDA of vitamin A daily. Vitamin A is shown to have the same properties as some acne medications.
Tips and Warnings
- For scars or spots, the Mayo Clinic suggests dermabrasion, which involves removing the top layer of skin with a quick-moving brush. Laser treatments are another method that destroys the top layer of skin, and as the skin heals, a new, fresh layer of skin forms. Chemical peels, which contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid, may also help to remove dead skin cells. All these methods need to be done under professional guidance. Alternative treatments, including herbs such as guggul, or homeopathic medicines such as belladonna or calendula, may also be experimented with for more mild acne conditions.
- Be careful when taking supplements. High dosages of zinc may cause nausea or anemia. It also interacts with tetracycline, an acne medication. Too much vitamin A can also be toxic, and pregnant women or those with liver disease should not take it. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements.
Things You'll Need
- Mild facial cleanser
- Benzoyl peroxide lotion
- Tea tree oil
- Water-based moisturizer
- Zinc supplement
- Vitamin A supplement
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